Events To Teach Sexual Responsibility

The Student Health Center and SHSU’s BACCHUS Peer Education
Network, a student organization, will give students lessons
on sexually transmitted infections, contraception and healthy
relationships during the week when thoughts turn to love because
of Valentine’s Day.

Sexual Responsibility Week, a nationally-recognized week,
will kick off on Monday (Feb. 13), with a “humorous
theatrical performance by the Arts Outreach Theater Troupe
(that) will focus on the dangers of using alcohol as an ice
breaker in social settings,” according to Michelle Lovering,
SHC health programming coordinator.

“The
Interpreters,” held in conjunction with
the university’s Alcohol Abuse Initiative, will be performed
at 6 p.m. in Lowman Student Center Ballroom A.

The event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the
LSC Mall Area, will also provide brochures and display information
to students, and those who pass the quiz will receive a prize.

Students who mastered the STI quiz, or even those who didn’t,
will have the opportunity to quiz themselves on different
methods of contraception on Wednesday with “Contraceptive
Challenge,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area.
Prizes will also be awarded for “experts,” Lovering
said.

“In addition, I will have information about which methods
of contraception are available at the Student Health Center
and how much they cost,” Lovering said. “During
the lunch hour (from noon to 1 p.m.), I will be joined by
the SHC pharmacist, Denise Irby, who can answer questions
that students may have about their prescription contraception
or a method that they are considering.”

Finally, on Thursday, students will put their love, or “general
fondness” to the test with the “Newly-Met Game,”
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area.

The “Newlywed Game” type of event will invite
couples to explore how well they know their significant others.

“Winners will receive prizes, but the losers may end
up with some reconciling to do,” Lovering said.

“The ultimate goal of the game, however, is to point
out how essential a good foundation of friendship, respect
and communication is to a healthy relationship,” she
said. “Without these things, relationships may be only
sexual and superficial.”

Among the many goals of the week, Lovering said they hope
students will walk away knowing which sexual activities are
“safe,” how alcohol may affect STI transmission
and unplanned pregnancies, and SHSU’s STI rates in comparison
to other Texas universities.

“The events will provide accurate information in fun
and entertaining formats and will allow students to develop
interpersonal skills, assess their sexual attitudes, values,
and insights, and will encourage students to exercise responsibility
regarding sexual relationships,” she said.